Senior Accountant

JOB SUMMARY
The Foundation Senior Accountant is responsible for managing various financial functions including bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable, purchasing agent/buyer, invoice preparation, the organizational budgets, grant and contract management, payroll processing, expenditure reports, donor summary reports, program accounting, monthly and year-end financial reporting, legal compliance, tax preparation, audit support, and maintaining all accounting records and files. The Senior Accountant responsibilities differ from entry-level Accountant and Staff Accountant by the required complex application of advanced accounting standards and principles. This position reports to the Foundation Executive Director/ Sola Impact Chief Impact Officer with oversight from the Accounting Manager.

ABOUT THE SOLA FOUNDATION 

The SoLa Foundation, a philanthropic arm of SoLa Impact, is a beacon of hope in South Los Angeles, striving to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through education, economic mobility, and community development. Rooted in the belief that opportunity should be accessible to all, the SoLa Foundation provides a pathway to success for underserved Black and Brown communities. By providing scholarships, mentorship programs, and support for local schools and nonprofits, the SoLa Foundation bridges the gap between potential and opportunity for underprivileged youth. We call this, “Doing Well by Doing Good.” 

With our most recent initiative, SoLa360, we are leading the charge in transforming South LA. Committed to addressing the multifaceted needs of the community, SoLa360 centralizes and scales resident support services, ensuring holistic support for all. Our commitment to creating lasting change has garnered much recognition, including being named the 2023 CA State Nonprofit of the Year and receiving the prestigious Oprah Foundation grant. Joining our mission-driven team offers a chance to be part of something bigger, a dynamic environment where passion meets purpose, and every contribution makes a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Serve as lead on all aspects of accounting operations, including but limited to:
• Processing all accounts payable activity (scholarships, grants & general A/P, purchasing), including verifying and entering invoices, obtaining W-9s, preparing check runs and online payments
• Recording all accounts receivable activity (donations, grants, contributions, rental income, interfund gifts, transfers and other cash receipts); monitor daily cash balances, update and monitor positive pay and stop payments 
• Reconcile daily and monthly bank & credit card transactions; reconcile pledges and other receivables
• Grant, sponsorship and contract management; Program accounting and reporting
• Maintain accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Prepare, examine, analyze and/or compare accounting records, schedules, financial statements, and/or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness and conformance to reporting and procedural standards
• Review General Ledger accounts for discrepancies and reconcile differences; prepare adjusting journal entries, manage depreciation/amortization and asset/liability accounts;
• Prepare various reports relating to programs, grants, contracts, rentals, donations and pledges, including restricted and unrestricted funds
• Manage contracts, grants and/or sponsor relationships, to include, statements and/or invoice preparation with supporting documentation, actual expenditures to contracted budgeted amounts for accuracy and comparison variances within terms, maintain accounting records in accordance with the donor/ grantor requirements
• Prepare internal reports with supporting documentation timely and accordingly and answer inquiries made by external agencies and inter-personnel 
• Complete and review program allocations for assigned projects, grants and contracts
• Establish financial accounts for specialized programming, projects and events
• Assist the Executive Director and team to develop organizational, program and grant budgets 
• Knowledgeable in grant application and understands grant submission process
• Develop accounting best practices to include policies, processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and sound internal controls
• Train team on the implementation of accounting best practices to maintain efficient and effective accounting and financial management infrastructure 
• Assists Accounting Manager with tax preparation, annual financial audit and internal audits
• Attend fundraisers and events as requested; Contributes to team efforts by completing other projects and tasks as assigned  
• Serve and perform other duties as needed or assigned by the Executive Director and/or Accounting Manager

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting required
• 3+ years' general accounting experience required
• Quickbooks software experience preferred
• Government, non-profit, and program accounting experience preferred

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proficient in Excel and demonstrated ability to learn new technology
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines
• Organized, proactive/self-starter, creative, detail-oriented, and critical thinking skills required

Benefits

SoLa Impact offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as pet insurance, sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and bereavement days. This package is designed to provide employees with a range of important benefits that help to support their physical and emotional well-being, while also providing financial protection and peace of mind.

At SoLa Impact, we believe the work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

SoLa Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SoLa does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.